Canadian offices going to the dogs

• According to a recent Leger survey for PetSafe, 51 percent of Canadians support bringing dogs to the office.
• An estimated 200,000 Canadians have adopted a dog or cat since the start of the pandemic in 2020, bringing the nationwide total to 3.25 million.

Three trends that will shape payroll this year

• Covid-19 has tested the flexibility and resilience of payroll teams, forcing them to cater for hybrid working models and respond with agility to evolving tax relief measures
• Challenging times have prompted many payroll departments to modernise their systems and processes in anticipation of even more change to come

Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority appoints new leadership team

• Amna Lootah was appointed as a Director General DAFZ to lead and implement strategic plans according to the approved structure.
• Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi was appointed as Director-General of Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) to supervise the implementation of its strategy according to the new organizational structure.

Saudi statistical authority launches a unified channel for data sharing

• The platform uses advanced search techniques with advanced features such as (API) technology to provide an interactive experience.
• It also allows different groups of users to access the data and statistics provided by GASTAT and view its descriptions as well.

Jafza and Al Masraf to help SMEs simplify financial processes

• SMEs and other licensed entities within the free zone will get assistance in account opening and financial documentation.
• More than 53 percent of UAE's non-oil GDP is contributed by SMEs, according to Ahmad Al Haddad, COO of Parks and Zones of DP World UAE.

Most EMEA banks fret they would cease to exist unless they digitize fast

• The report said only 25 per cent of EMEA-based banks expect to significantly increase spending on Big Data in the next three years.
• 19 per cent of EMEA-based banks are focused on blockchain investment compared with 30 per cent of banks in North America.

UCAC gets nod to amend insurance practice

• After approval, the UCAC would be limited to the practice of insurance activity only.
• In a bourse filing on Sunday, the company said it will reduced accumulated losses to SAR 113.6 million.

Gulf workers’ top data skills least utilized by employers

Two-thirds of UAE workers loyal to their employers: Survey

Majority of employees worldwide want flexible working to continue: WEF